Shanghai Disneyland opened June 16, 2016, as Disney's second theme park in China (after Hong Kong Disneyland) and fourth theme park resort outside the United States. Disney owns 43 percent of the park, with the remainder held by the Shanghai government, through a holding company. The park features Disney's largest theme park castle and an 11-acre "Gardens of Inspiration" at the hub of the park, in front of that castle. Shanghai Disneyland attracted 14 million visitors last year, making it the fifth most-visited theme park in the world.
Our recommendations below come from our ongoing survey of Theme Park Insider readers. Locations with star ratings ★ ranked especially highly among our readers. Vote here to take part in our surveys and submit your picks for top attractions.
What to Do
Top 10
Pirates of the Caribbean Battle for the Sunken Treasure★ ★ ★
All-new version inspired by the 'Pirates' movies more than the original Disneyland ride, featuring a new ride system with spinning boats, as well as projection mapping and screens to accompany the traditional animatronics and practical effects.
Tron Lightcycle Power Run
A 3,169-foot, 59-mph Vekoma launch coaster that takes riders into "The Grid" from the Tron films. Height requirement: 48 inches
Soaring Over the Horizon
Shanghai's installtion of the "Soarin' Around the World" flying theater shows. Located in Adventure Isle. Height requirement: 40 inches
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
"Snow White"-themed family roller coaster, located in Fantasyland. Height requirement: 38 inches
Eye of the Storm - Captain Jack's Stunt Spectacular
A Pirates-themed live stunt show in Treasure Cove
Illuminate! A Nighttime Celebration
Shanghai Disneyland's nighttime spectacular, on the Enchanted Storybook Castle
Roaring Rapids
River rapids ride in Adventure Isle. Height requirement: 42 inches
Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue
Interactive dark ride in Tomorrowland
Voyage to the Crystal Grotto
Boat ride through and around Shanghai's Enchanted Storybook Castle
Other Attractions
Mickey Avenue
Mickey's Storybook Adventure: Live stage show
Gardens of Imagination
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Fantasia Carousel
Adventure Isle
Camp Discovery: Themed play area
Treasure Cove
Explorer Canoes
Shipwreck Shore: Splash play area
Siren's Revenge: Pirate ship play area
Fantasyland
Alice in Wonderland Maze
Hunny Pot Spin
Frozen - A Sing-Along Celebration: Live musical show
Once Upon a Time Adventure: Interactive show
Peter Pan's Flight: Dark ride
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: Dark ride
Toy Story Land
Rex's Racers: Intamin surfrider halfpipe coaster
Slinky Dog Spin: Caterpillar ride
Woody's Round-Up: Spinner
Tomorrowland
Avengers Training Initiative: Interactive stage show
Jet Packs: Spinner
Stitch Encounter: Interactive show
Coming Next
Unnamed Spider-Man coaster - This mostly outdoor roller coaster will open next to Zootopia at a date to be announced later.
Where to Eat
Restaurants in Shanghai Disneyland include Il Paparino, Remy's Patisserie, and Mickey and Pals Market Cafe on Mickey Avenue; Wandering Moon Teahouse in Gardens of Imagination; Barbossa's Bounty in Treasure Cove; A Celebration of Duffy and Friends at Tribal Table in Adventure Isle; Stargazer Grill in Tomorrowland; and Pinocchio's Village Kitchen, Tangled Tree Tavern, the Royal Banquet Hall character meal in Fantasyland.
Map
The Shanghai Disney Resort is located about 30 minutes from Shanghai Pudong International Airport. By rail, take Metro Line 11 to Terminal Station Disney Resort and walk through the Disneytown shopping and entertainment district to the park.
Strategy
Visit during the final four months of the year to enjoy the lowest crowd levels, with Tuesday through Thursday being the best days of the week. Buy your tickets in advance, then remember to bring your passport to the park with you, as you may need to show it to enter the park.
The longest wait times here are for Soaring Over the Horizon, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Roaring Rapids, and Zootopia: Hot Pursuit. If you do not have Premier Access, consider buying an Early Entry Pass (if available) and go for your choice of these four first thing in the morning.
Download the official Shanghai Disneyland app before you arrive. Through that, you can purchase Disney Premier Access (prices vary by date) that allows shorter, alternate queue access to select attractions, subject to availability:
Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue
Challenge Trails at Camp Discovery
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Eye of the Storm: Captain Jack's Stunt Spectacular
Frozen: A Sing-Along Celebration
Illuminate! A Nighttime Celebration
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Mickey's Storybook Adventure
Mickey's Storybook Express
Peter Pan's Flight
Pirates of the Caribbean Battle for the Sunken Treasure
Rex's Racer
Roaring Rapids
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Soaring Over the Horizon
Tron Lightcycle Power Run
Voyage to the Crystal Grotto
Woody's Roundup
Zootopia: Hot Pursuit
At select busy times, a Standby Pass might be required to access the following attractions. This is a free virtual queue, available through the app, but you can hold only one Standby Pass at a time:
Roaring Rapids
Peter Pan's Flight
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Tron Lightcycle Power Run
Mickey's Storybook Adventure
Eye of the Storm: Captain Jack's Stunt Spectacular
Looking for discount tickets? Get Shanghai Disneyland tickets
